The practices have been good-natured, the distractions minimal, the optimism of a new year abounding in every press conference.

For the most part, the Vikings have achieved what they wanted during the first two weeks of training camp. Now it’s time to showcase some of that growth, starting with the preseason opener at San Francisco on Friday, Aug. 10.

Not with a win or loss. The results are relatively unimportant in the preseason. The Vikings and St. Louis Rams combined for more preseason wins (six) than regular-season wins (five) last season. Several starters might not play much, if at all.

But the Vikings are preaching smart, disciplined football. Coming off a three-win season, that’s probably the best place to start.

“Now it’s our chance to try to evaluate where we are as a team and what guys are going to have a chance to make our football team,” coach Leslie Frazier said.

Several chances exist for the Vikings to craft a new identity this season.

Here are five things to watch:

1. OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY

Quarterback Christian Ponder has had his positive moments in camp — and his share of interceptions. The highlight might have come Tuesday, when Ponder completed 5 of 7 passes in the two-minute drill, including a touchdown to an outstretched Percy Harvin on a post route.

Look for the Vikings to attack on first downs and maybe take a downfield shot to Jerome Simpson. The first-team offense might get only one drive — if it’s productive.

“One drive, three drives, five drives, whatever it is, we have to make sure we’re efficient,” Ponder said.

Keep an eye on the battle at backup receiver. Will Stephen Burton, Emmanuel Arceneaux or Devin Aromashodu become a potent downfield option for Ponder?

2. NEW-LOOK O-LINE

This clearly should be an improved unit with rookie Matt Kalil at left tackle, Charlie Johnson sliding down to left guard and Brandon Fusco emerging at right guard.

Frazier pointed to the offensive line as an area to watch in the exhibition opener. The Vikings still want to pound the ball and force teams into eight-man fronts to open outside passing lanes for Ponder.

“That’s going to be a big deal for us,” Frazier said. “We think we have some capable backs, but we want to gel up front because that will determine if we will be able to do the things that we set out to do.”

Keep an eye on the play of backup right guard Chris DeGeare, who started four games in 2010 but spent last season on the practice squad after reporting to camp overweight. He’s got a second chance to compete at right guard.

3. SECONDARY DISCIPLINE

Injuries and inexperience weren’t the only reasons for the Vikings’ defensive backfield issues last season. Assignments were blown, and gap discipline in the zone defense was spotty.

The Vikings have shored up some depth problems, and players who find the proper spots on the field will stay there.

“Maybe they’re not physically better than someone, but at least be where they are supposed to be based on the things that we talk about in practice,” Frazier said.

Starting corners Antoine Winfield and Chris Cook will get limited reps Friday, opening the way for veteran Chris Carr and second-year corner Brandon Burton. Rookie Josh Robinson is expected to sit because of lingering hamstring problems.

New defensive coordinator Alan Williams looks to halt an alarming trend — the Vikings’ fast fades late in games last season.

The cleansing process starts with fundamentals.

“He came in and noticed we lost a lot of games late in the season last year just by not doing the little things correctly,” defensive end Brian Robison said. “It didn’t allow us to close games out.”

Fatigue might have been a factor, too. That’s why Williams wants to implement a hockey-style rotation up front.

Entering his Vikings debut, Williams wants to see players “operate within the scope of the defense, alignment, assignment and technique,” he said.

“I want them to play situational, smart football,” Williams said. “Every situation is different, and I want to see if they recognize the situation that they are in and operate.”

5. A FEW SURPRISES

Every year, a few darkhorse candidates stake claims for roster spots with stellar preseason performances. That doesn’t mean they’ll win jobs — sometimes draft picks get the nod, even if they are outplayed — but future employers elsewhere might be intrigued.

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